Pro: German sensibilities with Brazilian flair. Has held numerous academic and pastoral positions, including as the head of several seminaries. He also spent time in Rome as head of the Congregation for Bishops. He leads one of the most dynamic diocese on the face of the earth. Governs with a steady hand.

Con: Has both the World Cup and the upcoming Olympics in Brizil to worry about. May not want the distraction of the Papcy. Perhaps is “too white” and lacks that certain, um, “je ne se qua”, for a non-European pope (not that there’s anything wrong with that…)